Roadside hazards 'may actually improve people's driving'

Removing kerbs could actually make driving safer, according to a study by university researchers.

Newcastle University researchers found that 31 per cent of drivers were easily bored and therefore more likely to seek excitement by taking driving risks.

These thrill-seekers were prone to speeding or overtaking as they did not find the highways taxing enough.

Speed thrills: A third of drivers were likely to take risks to avoid boredom on the roads according to a new survey

The researchers said building in more obstacles - such as taking away kerbs - might be the answer.

Lead researcher Dr Joan Harvey said: 'Contrary to what you might expect when driving, hazards can actually increase our attention to the road so this may well be the way forward for planners.

'In towns we may need to start considering some radical schemes such as removing kerbs so there are more hazards - like pedestrians - around your car. Our research suggests that this might actually improve people's driving.'

For their study, the researchers questioned 1,563 drivers about their motoring style and personality.

RELATED ARTICLES

Share this article

The 31 per cent who got bored and sought thrills on the road included women and younger drivers.

Also, 35 per cent of all those surveyed were described as 'enthusiastic', found driving challenging or interesting and were less likely to have crashes.

A total of 21 per cent were categorised as slow with a dislike of driving, while 13 per cent were seen as safe and slow.

AA president Edmund King, who is also Visiting Professor of Transport at Newcastle University, said: 'As cars come fitted with more gadgets to make driving easier and planners remove more of the distractions it comes as no surprise to me that some people are finding the pleasure of driving has become a bore.

'With that comes an increase in the risks drivers take as they mentally switch-off instead of focusing on the road. Drivers need to stay alert at all times.'